Concord, Mass. bans sale of plastic water bottles

Associated PressA runner grabs a bottle of water at the athlete's village prior to the start of the 116th running of the Boston Marathon, in Hopkinton, Mass., Monday, April 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

CONCORD — Residents of the historic Massachusetts town of Concord have voted to ban the sale of single-serve plastic water bottles at local stores.

The ban on sales of bottles of a liter or less passed at Wednesday's town meeting 403-364.

Supporters say it's the most sweeping water bottle ban passed by any municipality in the nation and will cut down on pollution and limit exposure to toxic chemicals.

Opponents say singling out one form of plastic is ridiculous and the ban will harm local businesses. Opponents also point out that recycled plastic bottles can be used to make dozens of useful items.

Stores could be fined up to $50 for violating the ban.

The ban is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, pending approval from the state attorney general's office.